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Monday, August 1, 2011

The Happiness Project


I thought it would be a good idea to read a book this summer. So, luckily next door at the store they carry some bestsellers. I bought The Happiness Project....it was a fun and quick read that I put down and pick up when I wanted. I really enjoyed it. I almost feel my blog has been my own little happiness project. When I became unemployed and soon to be empty nester......I knew I needed some kind of outlet AND support. I need to write down what I am feeling......and the fact that I get readers and commenters.......that ends up bringing support. I try not to let my moods be dependent on it......but, what is amazing is the simple fact that all of my ups and downs are documented.........it has been a roller coaster ride. Being that this is a public forum I don't share the downs too much. But, come on, there has to be some downs with this economy......etc.!!!!! But, I loved the approach of this book. Some of it actually reminded me of Creative Escape where we made Gratitude books or a book of questions that included my favorites........What would you do if you knew you would not fail? AND Do you love who you love.........wow!!!! That one is a good one. I'll admit I find myself snippy at home and with the one's I love.......I don't want to be that way.....but, hey no one is perfect.....I don't try to be and understandably no one else is either.......I don't care who you are.......you will never be perfect or at your best ALL the time.
So, I took away a lot from this book and I recommend it. I think my blog is already my happiness project. I finally reached a stage in my life where I am doing things........acting on things and not just dreaming about them. I am realizing that I am grateful for so many things.....my family the most.......trying to be accepting of the way things are.......and going with the flow. When I opened the store......I thought.....ok you got what you want.......your family is extremely supportive......so why aren't you happy???? But, recently I have to say people look at me and say you are so happy and excited........keep that feeling. I know what they mean.......it is just hard to do on a daily basis.......but, the store.........my amazing husband who seems to want to be at the store at all times who keeps up with the never ending sales of his clocks.......my children who work so hard and really never complain.........I am blessed and thankful. This quote below is what I read in 1982 when we bought our first house.......work was slow........we rented the house out for the summer and used the money for an addition on the house........it was a trying time......I read this on a plaque.....bought it and put the plaque on the wall. It does make me happy to read it:
The Serenity Prayer
Path

God grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change;
courage to change the things I can;
and wisdom to know the difference.

Living one day at a time;
Enjoying one moment at a time;
Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace;
Taking, as He did, this sinful world
as it is, not as I would have it;
Trusting that He will make all things right
if I surrender to His Will;
That I may be reasonably happy in this life
and supremely happy with Him
Forever in the next.
Amen.

--Reinhold Niebuhr



2 comments:

zandra said...

So glad you are "Living the life you dream of" as Tim would say. Love my banner, too. ;o)
Hugz, Z

Comeca Jones said...

Loving the excitement you have about your life its catching!